Fay Martin blog May
Read Fay's update about her first design
meeting with Kelly Hoppen.
My first design meeting with Kelly Hoppen took
place on 15th May at Kelly’s gorgeous studio based in Notting Hill.
The entrance to Kelly’s studio is just as stylish as Kelly herself
with beautiful tall trees and a long garden table leading up to the
entrance where the design school meets throughout the year.
Seeing Kelly again was great, and I was made
instantly welcome with a hug from Kelly and an introduction to her
staff. Kelly’s studio is a busy place, yet the surroundings
designed in Kelly’s cool style give a very relaxed feeling.
Kelly’s main work room is a studio that any designer would die
for. There are rows upon rows of neatly organised swatches of
fabrics, and samples of stone and wood, and several tables where
Kelly can create mood-boards for many projects at a time.
We got straight to work discussing the overall project, and
deadlines we have to meet. Kelly was very quick to demonstrate her
design skills and expertise by drawing out some ideas for the
textile products we will be creating to be sold on QVC, and
explaining how my talents will be used in the design.
We discussed the different fabrics, finishes and possible
layouts for the design. It was good to make notes about the
dimensions of the products and the types of materials we have to
choose from. As a designer it makes the initial process much easier
if you know what components are available to use.
The design process has already begun, it’s important to start
illustrating concepts whilst the ideas are fresh in our minds.
Creating a product has many stages, this is just the first of many,
and I am sure there will be a lot of trial and error before the
production stage. Kelly has so much advice to give and is always
very confident in her decisions.
As Kelly’s mentee I am learning a lot about
responding to what the customer wants, but also bringing my design
flair to the products.